National Coming Out Day for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Staff Perspectives

Every year on October 11, we recognize National Coming Out Day, which celebrates coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+). “Coming out” refers to the disclosure of sexuality or gender identity to friends, family, or colleagues. It is a courageous and life-changing act that allows people to live authentically as themselves. People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) come from all different backgrounds and are also diverse in their sexuality and gender identity. Emerging research shows that many people with IDD don’t accept the rigid binaries of gender or sexuality and identify themselves as part of the …

Dementia and People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

Health and Wellness

What is Dementia? Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Although it is well known that older people are at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, it is less well known that individuals with intellectual disabilities, especially Down syndrome, are also at high risk of the disease, and research shows that people with IDD have a prevalence of dementia. What are some signs of Dementia? Early signs may include changes in health, and in …

Arc of Monroe End of Life Committee Offers Support for Caregivers

Health and Wellness, Staff Perspectives

Written by Sue Sproule, Director of Nursing at The Arc of Monroe End of Life – What does it mean to the caregiver? Even when you know the end of life is approaching for someone you support, you might not feel prepared. Looking after a person who is dying can be very stressful. It’s common to feel like you don’t know what to do, what to say or how to cope. You might feel angry, sad or totally unprepared. You could also feel frightened about how it will happen and if you will be able to cope. However, once you …

“In A Different Key” Free Movie Premiere

April is Autism Awareness Month and to mark the occasion, The Arc of Monroe and AutismUp will present a free screening of “In A Different Key.” The event is generously sponsored by Dixon Schwabl and Company. DATE: Thursday, April 28 TIME: Doors open at 5:45 pm with film screening at 6 pm LOCATION: The Theater At Innovation Square, 131 Chestnut St, Rochester. COST: Tickets are free, but you must have one to attend the event. OPTIONAL VIP RECEPTION: $20 per person, 5 to 5:45 pm “In A Different Key” is the highly anticipated documentary about the history of autism and …

Love Your Job! 3 Reasons I Love Working at The Arc of Monroe

Employment, Staff Perspectives

Love Your Job! 3 Reasons I Love Working at The Arc of Monroe Do you love what you are doing? Do you want to love what you do? Then maybe a career at The Arc of Monroe is for you. Here are 3 reasons Accounting Manager, Anatasia Bazzett, loves working at The Arc of Monroe. Inclusive Environment I love working at the Arc for many reasons. In addition to the agency pushing its Mission to the forefront of service delivery, the agency also works very dedicatedly to create an inclusive environment that extends beyond a person’s abilities. It also embraces cultural diversity …

Love Your Job! 3 Reasons I Love Working at The Arc of Monroe

Employment, Staff Perspectives

Love Your Job! 3 Reasons I Love Working at The Arc of Monroe Do you love what you are doing? Do you want to love what you do? Then maybe a career at The Arc of Monroe is for you. Here are 3 reasons Vice President of Programs & Services Mike Catalano loves working at The Arc of Monroe. Amazing People we Support and Staff I love working at The Arc because of the people we support and our staff. I learn something new every day and I have more appreciation for the little things, because I think we take so many things …

Love Your Job! 3 Reasons I Love Working at The Arc of Monroe

Employment, Staff Perspectives

Love Your Job! 3 Reasons I Love Working at The Arc of Monroe Do you love what you are doing? Do you love what you do? If not, perhaps a career at The Arc of Monroe is for you. Here are 3 of the reasons ArcWorks LPN Chris Dean says working at The Arc of Monroe is so rewarding. I Feel like I’m Part of Their Lives Every day I get the opportunity to work with some of the most wonderful individuals on the planet! It makes me feel as though I am truly a part of their lives. I share in their …

Love Your Job! 3 Reasons I Love Working at The Arc of Monroe

Employment, Staff Perspectives

Love Your Job! 3 Reasons I Love Working at The Arc of Monroe Do you love what you are doing? Do you want to love what you do? Then maybe a career at The Arc of Monroe is for you. Here are 3 reasons Direct Support Specialist Rachel Rutledge loves working at The Arc of Monroe. Doing Something that Matters I enjoy working at The Arc because I get to do a job that actually matters – I’m making a difference in the lives of the people we support. Not only that, but I wanted to work somewhere where I could grow …

Love Your Job! 3 Reasons I Love Working at The Arc of Monroe

Employment, Staff Perspectives

Love Your Job! 3 Reasons I Love Working at The Arc of Monroe Do you love what you are doing? Do you want to love what you do? Then maybe a career at The Arc of Monroe is for you. Here are 3 reasons Vice President Community and Employment Services Linda Riggs loves working at The Arc of Monroe. Making a Difference I love working at the Arc because I am inspired by the dedication, commitment, compassion, and caring I see every day from our staff and the people we support. Not a day goes by that I don’t personally witness kind …

Summer and Fall Fests Celebrate The Arc!

Programs and Services, Stories Of People We Support

Did you get a chance to take part in any of the Summer or Fall Fests happening around The Arc over the past few months? The fun kicked off with Summerfest at ArcWorks, then there was a medieval theme festival at Lambert/Community Connections. Fairport Day Services was full-on country western, while Community Arts Connection celebrated “Music Genres thru the Ages.” The fun kept coming as Ballantyne celebrated with a Halloween theme! You can see a few of the photos here, but follow The Arc’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ArcofMonroe to see ALL the fun!